Roma makes Jake his next summer signing

Jake Eastwood has come through the ranks at Bramall Lane and was on loan with Sheffield FC last season.

Published:10:10Tuesday 05 July 2016

Share this article

Dominic Roma’s search for a second goalkeeper to join his Gainsborough Trinity squad is over after he recruited Jake Eastwood from Sheffield United.

The 20-year-old has joined on loan from the Blades and will provide competition for the number one jersey with Jonathan Hedge.

Roma had been looking for a new goalkeeper since the departure of Jan Budtz to Buxton, and is delighted with his new recruit.

He said: “It’s an initial two month loan to see how he settles at the club, and then we’ll take it from there.

“I have always stated my desire to have two goalkeepers at the club, and following discussions with the Sheffield United goalkeeper coach, Darren Ward, I was impressed with what he had to say, as he rates Jake highly.

“My assistant Martin Foster was Chris Wilder’s captain during their time together at Halifax and that link has proved invaluable in getting the deal over the line.

““We haven’t been given stipulations regarding who plays, so it will be really competitive between Jake and Hedgey to make the shirt their own for the start of the season.”

Eastwood, whose former Blades teammate Ioan Evans signed for Trinity last month, spent time on loan with Sheffield FC last season and picked up back-to-back player of the month awards. He is now looking forward to the challenge of representing Trinity.

He said: “I have spoken to a couple of the lads that have been at Gainsborough and they speak very highly of the club.

“It’s great that there’s a familiar face here in Ioan, as I am sure that will help me settle, but I am just looking forward to buckling down and e1arning the gloves come August 6 and then putting in performances that ensure I keep the shirt.”